Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Review of "Crème Originelle" by Katima'A

Hey everyone,

Today, I've decided to review the rather new "Crème Originelle" by Katima'A.

For people who regularly read my blog, you already know that I am a huge fan of a French skincare brand called AR457. I use several products of theirs, namely their day & night creams, their anti-ageing serum and their eye contour (see my previous post: my essential skincare)

The most important ingredient in all AR457 products is Premium Argan oil, which is reflected in the name of the brand owner - Bordeaux's beauty gem, La Maison de l'Argan (literally The Argan House). La Maison de l'Argan is also the creator of AR457's sister brand, Katima'A.

The latter offers a more affordable range of Argan oil-based products, which are very popular with French women who favour natural, paraben-free yet efficient skincare.

Last month, I got my hands on a sample of Katima'A's latest moisturiser, the "Crème Originelle" and after a couple of days' trial decided to purchase the normal size.

Here are a few pictures of the Arabic inspired packaging:

You will notice that I have photographed the spatula included in the packaging as I reckon it is an excellent idea. All moisturisers in a pot should come with such item. This way, the pot does not get contaminated by bacteria present on our fingers. (You should watch me fervently washing my hands almost twice before I apply my moisturiser. I become like Howard Hughes when I prep my skin!)

This moisturiser is not only very pretty to look at but it is also a high quality product.

At the heart of the cream are 3 key ingredients:
1 - Argan oil, which is famous for having nourishing, antioxidant and protecting virtues especially for your skin, hair and nails.
2 - Hyaluronic acid, a much loved nutrient which has been increasingly used in the latest cosmetics as it "helps retain over a 1,000 time its weight in water within the cells of skin(...) In fact, no other biological substance can retain as much water as HA resulting in increased smoothness, softening and decreased wrinkles."*
3 - Prickly Pear Cactus (aka Barbary fig) Extract, which has powerful anti-inflammatory virtues.It also calms and reduces redness, irritation and tightness of sensitive skins. The appeasing effect is supplemented by the presence of Balloon plant (or "Love in a puff") and Echium oil.

The packaging claims that once applied, the cream has a fresh and velvety texture. I have to admit that it is a rather accurate description of how the moisturiser feels on the skin, but you might experience that it is not completely absorbed and sits more on the surface. This is my own opinion - I think it is because I'm normally more used to richer textures. However, it is not unpleasant and since I started using it, I have never noticed that my skin was dehydrated or taut, which is quite exceptional.

I also asked my mum to test it and she really enjoyed the velvety feel.
In addition, she commented on the discreet but flagrant & agreeable smell. For people who prefer their skincare to be odorless, I wouldn't recommend this moisturiser but the scent is very delicate and pleasant.

The top notes are citrus & bergamot orange, and the heart notes consist in jasmine, roses & herbaceous notes. As for the base notes, sandal, musk and vanilla were included.

I've been using this moisturiser for a month now and my skin is much more hydrated than before. Moreover, I reckon that "Crème Originelle" has helped with my skintone: it is more even and less red with rosacea.

All in all, I would definitely recommend this moisturiser to sensitive/normal/combination/oily skins (and of course dehydrated skin like mine), but I doubt that it would be nourishing enough for dry skins.
I have worn "Crème Originelle" during the summer and autumn months but I believe that it will be slightly too light for me during the winter months. I will probably revert to my richer AR457 day cream when the icy wind starts blowing.

This moisturiser is for the moment only available in France via Katima'A's representatives and on their online store here. Nonetheless, I heard it through the grapevine that it will launch soon in the UK. Rejoice British skincare addicts! And watch this space! I will update my post to let you know.